Senior Process Safety Engineer

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Safety Engineer for a leading petrochemical client in Midrand, Gauteng. You will drive process safety management, conduct PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA) and oversee SIS deployment, integrating safety into design and operations.

The role requires a chemical engineering degree, 8+ years in process safety, and Pr.Eng/ECSA eligibility. You will ensure compliance with OSHA/IEC 61511, mentor teams, and lead safety training and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in process safety engineering within chemical/petrochemical/oil and gas industries.
• Experience in PHAs and risk assessments.
• Knowledge of PSM principles, standards (OSHA, IEC 61511) and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes and equipment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in process safety software and simulation tools.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Pr.Eng with ECSA eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve process safety management programs.
• Conduct PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA) to identify and assess risks.
• Investigate incidents and near misses; identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Design and oversee safety instrumented systems (SIS) and other protection layers.
• Develop and deliver safety training for engineering and operations staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety legislation, codes, and standards (OSHA, IEC 61511).
• Provide technical guidance on process safety to project teams and operations.
• Maintain safety documentation: reports, risk assessments, operating procedures.
• Participate in site safety audits and inspections.
• Champion a strong safety culture across the organization.

Skills

Process safety engineering

PHAs (HAZOP/LOPA/FMEA)

PSM standards

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Pr.Eng eligibility / ECSA

Tools

Process safety software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the petrochemical sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Process Safety Engineer to join their dynamic team in Midrand, Gauteng. This pivotal role focuses on ensuring the highest standards of safety in all chemical engineering processes and operations. You will be instrumental in developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety management systems, mitigating risks, and fostering a proactive safety culture. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical projects within a company committed to operational excellence and sustainable practices. The successful candidate will work closely with various departments, including operations, engineering, and R&D, to integrate safety principles seamlessly into the design and execution phases of all plant activities. This role is essential for maintaining compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and upholding the company's reputation for safety and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve process safety management (PSM) programs in line with international standards and local regulations.
• Conduct comprehensive Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), including HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies, to identify and assess potential risks associated with chemical processes.
• Investigate incidents and near misses, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Design and oversee the implementation of safety instrumented systems (SIS) and other layers of protection.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive safety training programs for engineering and operational staff.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety legislation, codes, and standards, including COMAH and local environmental health and safety regulations.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on process safety matters to project teams, management, and operational personnel.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date safety documentation, including safety reports, risk assessments, and operating procedures.
• Participate in site safety audits and inspections to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
• Champion a strong safety culture across the organization, promoting proactive hazard identification and risk mitigation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in process safety engineering within the chemical, petrochemical, or oil and gas industries.
• Proven experience in conducting various PHAs and risk assessments.
• In-depth knowledge of PSM principles, standards (e.g., OSHA , IEC 61511), and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of chemical processes, equipment, and potential hazards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in process safety software and simulation tools is advantageous.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) with ECSA or eligible for registration is highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment in Midrand, Gauteng.